If you have chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and experience symptoms like dizziness, heart palpitations, temperature fluctuations, or difficulty standing for long periods, you may be dealing with dysautonomia—a dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system (ANS).

Dysautonomia can make CFS symptoms feel worse and complicate recovery, but understanding it is the first step toward managing it effectively. In this blog, we’ll break down what dysautonomia is, why it happens in CFS, and strategies to help you feel better.

1. What Is Dysautonomia and Why Does It Happen in CFS?

Dysautonomia refers to a malfunction of the autonomic nervous system (ANS), which controls automatic functions like heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, and temperature regulation. In people with CFS, this system is often out of balance, leading to symptoms such as:

• Dizziness or lightheadedness when standing up
• Heart palpitations or racing heart (tachycardia)
• Extreme fatigue after minimal exertion
• Temperature regulation issues (feeling too hot or too cold)

This happens because CFS affects how the body regulates blood flow, nervous system signals, and energy production. To understand more about how dysautonomia and CFS are connected, check out this video on nervous system dysfunction.

2. Common Types of Dysautonomia in CFS

There are several forms of dysautonomia, but two are especially common in CFS:

🔹 Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)

POTS is a condition where your heart rate spikes abnormally when you stand up, often leading to dizziness, fatigue, and even fainting.

🔹 Orthostatic Intolerance (OI)

OI refers to difficulty standing for long periods due to low blood pressure and poor circulation. This can cause nausea, headaches, and brain fog.

Both conditions can make even simple activities feel exhausting. If you find standing or moving around triggers symptoms, this video on pacing strategies might help.

3. How Dysautonomia Makes CFS Symptoms Worse

Dysautonomia doesn’t just affect circulation—it also impacts energy levels, digestion, and brain function, making CFS symptoms feel even more intense. Here’s how:

• Poor Blood Flow to the Brain → Worsens brain fog and dizziness.
• Nervous System Overactivation → Leads to fatigue, anxiety, and insomnia.
• Unstable Blood Pressure & Heart Rate → Increases palpitations and exercise intolerance.

By managing dysautonomia, you may see improvements in your overall CFS symptoms. For insights into reducing nervous system overactivity, watch this video on calming the nervous system.

4. Strategies to Manage Dysautonomia in CFS

While there’s no quick fix for dysautonomia, certain lifestyle changes can help stabilize symptoms and improve quality of life.

🔹 Increase Hydration & Electrolytes

• Drink at least 2-3 liters of fluids daily.
• Use electrolyte drinks (without too much sugar) to improve blood volume.

🔹 Use Compression Garments

Wearing compression socks or abdominal binders can prevent blood pooling in the legs and help maintain circulation when standing.

🔹 Modify Your Movement

• Avoid standing for long periods—sit whenever possible.
• If you experience dizziness, slowly transition from lying down to standing.

If you need help adjusting movement to avoid crashes, this video on energy conservation can be useful.

5. Medications That May Help

Some doctors prescribe medications to help stabilize blood pressure, heart rate, and nervous system function. Common options include:

• Beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol): Helps reduce racing heart and palpitations.
• Fludrocortisone or Midodrine: Used to increase blood volume and prevent dizziness.
• Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN): May help regulate immune and nervous system function.

Not all medications work for everyone, so speak with your doctor before starting any new treatment. For more details on medication options, check out this video on treatments for CFS.

Final Thoughts

Dysautonomia is a key piece of the puzzle in CFS, affecting everything from energy levels to brain function. The good news is that with hydration, lifestyle changes, and proper pacing, you can stabilize symptoms and improve your daily life.

For more resources on managing CFS and dysautonomia, visit the Solutions section of our website. Recovery is possible—one step at a time!